Adjusting device for adjusting the reticle unit of a telescopic sight

ABSTRACT

An adjusting device adjusts a reticle unit of a telescopic sight and has a rotatable setting cap and a transmission unit for converting the turning movement of the setting cap into an adjusting movement of the reticle. The turning range of the setting cap is two revolutions and arranged on the adjusting device there are two sets of scale values assigned to at least one line scale. A first set of scale values indicate adjustment values that belong to the first revolution of the setting cap and a second set of scale values indicate adjustment values that belong to the second revolution. An index ring that bears the scale values and can be turned with the setting cap or a diaphragm ring that partially covers at least one index ring is adjustable in height during the transition from the first revolution to the second revolution of the setting cap.

The invention relates to an adjusting device for adjusting the reticleunit of a telescopic sight, having the further features of the preambleof claim 1.

DE 10 2006 016 834 A1 discloses an adjusting device that is used toadjust a reticle unit of a telescopic sight. The overall turret-likeadjusting device has a rotatable setting cap which is coupled via atransmission unit to the reticle inside the telescopic sight, in orderto convert the rotation movement of the setting cap into an adjustingmovement of the reticle, which adjusting movement is generally linear.Adjusting devices of this kind are used to adapt the reticle todifferent firing distances. To ensure extremely fine adjustment and,therefore, a precise firing result, the turning range of the setting capin the known device is designed for more than one revolution, i.e. itcomprises approximately two full revolutions. The user has thepossibility of reading off the rotation position of the setting cap, andtherefore of adapting the reticle to the firing distance, on the basisof scale values assigned to the respective turning ranges. Onecircumferential set of scale values belongs to the first revolution, orto a first turning range of the setting cap, and a second set of scalevalues, which is arranged over or under the first set, belongs to thesecond turning range of the setting cap.

In the known adjusting device, both sets of scale values are alwaysvisible. To allow the user to decide which set of scale values is theappropriate one depending on the position of the setting cap within afirst or second turning range, the known device has a tactile displaymeans which protrudes from the adjusting device when the setting cap isset within the second turning range.

Alternatively, in the prior art document, provision is also made for thesetting cap to have a perceptible catch mechanism, which is formed bysecond locking means when the rotation position of the setting cap iswithin the second turning range. A disadvantage of these known settingdevices is that the two always visible scale values can be confused witheach other despite the measures that are taken.

The object of the invention is to design an adjusting device, having thefeatures of the preamble of claim 1, in such a way that the ease ofreading off the scale values is improved and the user is assisted interms of avoiding errors. This object is achieved by the characterizingfeatures of claim 1, and advantageous developments of the invention areset forth in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, provision is made that, during thetransition from the first turning range to the second turning range ofthe setting cap, at least one index ring bearing the scale values and/ora diaphragm ring partially covering an area of an index ring isadjustable in height in such a way that, during the first revolution ofthe setting cap, only a first set of the scale values is visible and,during the second revolution of the setting cap, the second set of scalevalues is also visible in addition to the first set or preferablyvisible on its own.

There are various mechanical possibilities for doing this. A firstpossibility is to arrange the first set of scale values on a first indexring and to arrange the second set of scale values on a second indexring arranged inside the first index ring, and, during the transitionfrom the first turning range of the setting cap to the second turningrange, to move the first index ring, i.e. the outer index ring, upwardin such a way that, prior to the height adjustment (first turningrange), the scale values on the second index ring are covered and onlythe scale values on the first, outer index ring are visible, and, afterthe height adjustment, i.e. within the second turning range, the view ofscale values arranged on the second index ring is cleared by the firstindex ring and the scale values arranged on the first index ringdisappear under a diaphragm area. It is possible here to move the outerindex ring either upward or downward and to provide the coveringdiaphragm area for the first scale values either at the top or bottom onthe outer index ring.

A further possibility is to provide both the first scale values and alsothe second scale values, together with at least one line scale that canbe arranged for example between the first and second scale values, ononly one index ring and to move these upward and downward, depending onthe turning range within a transition area, such that the first set ofscale values is covered, or alternatively the second set of scale valuesis then covered, and the other is visible.

A further possibility is one in which the index ring with the two setsof scale values is not adjustable in height, and the outside of theindex ring is provided with upper and lower ring diaphragms which,depending on the chosen turning range, cover the upper or lower set ofscale values on the non-height-adjustable index ring. A combination ofheight-adjustable diaphragms and height-adjustable index rings is alsoconceivable.

In a preferred illustrative embodiment, provision is made that, duringthe transition from the first revolution to the second revolution of thesetting cap, the first set of scale values of the first, outer indexring is moved underneath a downwardly pointing edge of the setting capand is thereby covered. As a result of the height adjustment of thefirst index ring, the lower edge of the first index ring frees thesecond set of scale values, which are arranged on thenon-height-adjustable second index ring arranged inside the first indexring.

In principle, the first index ring and the second index ring, whetherthey are height-adjustable or not, are rotated synchronously with thesetting cap. Scale values corresponding to one setting of the reticlecan be read off on the basis of an index mark, which is arrangednon-rotatably on a base of the adjusting device. The adjusting deviceoverall has a turret-like structure, the base area of the turret-likestructure is used for fastening on the top of a telescopic sight, sincefinely adjustable adjusting devices of this kind are generally used toadjust the reticle height, since only in this way is adaptation todifferent firing distances possible.

To adjust the height of the one or more index rings or of the at leastone diaphragm ring, a circumferential slotted guide is arranged in theinner area of the adjusting device, into which slotted guide a tracerpin engages which can be coupled, directly or via intermediate parts, toan index ring or a diaphragm. Depending on the rotation position, thepin will remain in the slotted guide during the first turning rangewithout height adjustment, and the index ring coupled thereto will thusretain its height position. When, after further rotation, the pinreaches the middle area of the slotted guide, which area has a beveledstep profile, the pin will follow this beveled step profile and thuscause the height adjustment of the index ring or diaphragm ring coupledto it. Within the second turning range, the pin then follows the guidegroove of the slotted guide substantially parallel to the first turningrange, and no further height adjustment then takes place within thesecond turning range.

The invention is explained in more detail on the basis of illustrativeembodiments in the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the adjusting device according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the adjusting device in accordance with FIG.1;

FIG. 3 shows a detailed side view before initiation of an adjustingrotation movement over the first turning range;

FIG. 4 shows a view in accordance with FIG. 3, wherein the first turningrange has been almost completed;

FIG. 5 shows a view in accordance with FIG. 4, wherein a furtherrotation takes place into the area of a transition between the scales;

FIG. 6 shows a view in accordance with FIG. 5, wherein the rotationmovement has continued such that only scale values of the second turningrange are visible;

FIG. 7 shows a central vertical cross section through the adjustingdevice, wherein a scale display in accordance with FIG. 3 is visible;

FIG. 8 shows a cross section in accordance with FIG. 7 after transition,wherein a scale display in accordance with FIG. 6 is visible;

FIG. 9 shows the two index rings and the setting cap in an explodedview;

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an index ring with twoalternately coverable rows of scale values;

FIG. 11 shows a modified embodiment with a scale disk in accordance withFIG. 10 in a first rotation position;

FIG. 12 shows a view in accordance with FIG. 11 in a modified rotationposition;

FIG. 13 shows a view of a slotted guide inside the adjusting device.

The adjusting device 1 shown in the figures is used to adjust thereticle unit of a telescopic sight (not shown) and has a rotatablesetting cap 2, which is arranged rotatably on the upper end of anoverall turret-shaped structure of the adjusting device 1.

A transmission unit 3, with which the rotation movement of the settingcap 2 is converted into an adjusting movement of the reticle, isarranged in the interior of the adjusting device 1. The transmissionunit 3 protrudes downward from a base area 4 of the adjusting device 1.

The turning range of the setting cap 2 comprises substantially tworevolutions. Two sets of scale values 7 assigned to at least one linescale 6 are arranged in the middle area 5 of the adjusting device 1,wherein a first set of scale values 7 a indicates adjustment values thatbelong to the first revolution of the setting cap 2, and a second set ofscale values 7 b indicates adjustment values that belong to the secondrevolution of the setting cap 2.

During the transition from the first revolution to the second revolutionof the setting cap 2, i.e. in the so-called transition area, an indexring bearing the scale values 7 a and rotatable preferably synchronouslywith the setting cap 2 is adjustable in height in such a way that,during the first revolution of the setting cap 2, only a first set ofthe scale values 7 a is visible and the second set of scale values 7 bis arranged under a covering and, during the second revolution of thesetting cap 2, only the associated second set of scale values 7 b isvisible, in which case the first set of scale values 7 a is arrangedunder a covering. Coverings can be diaphragm areas extending in a ringshape, for example a downwardly protruding edge 9 of the setting cap 2,which edge 9 is arranged in the area of the upper edge of the index ring8, and underneath which edge 9 the first set of scale values 7 adisappears when the index ring 8 is moved upward.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, a second index ring10 is arranged under the index ring 8 visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, whichsecond index ring 10 bears the second scale values 7 b and, prior to thetransition, i.e. prior to the height adjustment of the index ring 8, iscovered by said index ring. The first index ring 8 as it were forms thecovering for the second index ring and for the second scale values 7 barranged on the latter.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, the height adjustmentof the first index ring 8 is upward, such that the first scale values 7a are brought underneath the downwardly pointing edge 9 of the settingcap. However, it is equally possible to move the outer, first index ringdownward, during the transition from the first turning range to thesecond turning range of the setting cap, and to lower the first scaleelements 7 a underneath a ring diaphragm in the area of the base 4.

A further embodiment within the scope of protection of claim 1 involvesboth sets of scale values 27 a and 27 b being arranged above and below aline scale 26 on one index ring 28. An illustrative embodiment of thiskind is shown in FIGS. 10-12. During the transition from the firstturning range to the second turning range of the setting cap 2, thisindex ring 28 as a whole can be moved upward and downward, such that, onthe one hand, the first index values 27 a are visible and, on the otherhand, the second index values 27 b are visible. Arranged on the loweredge of the index ring 28, there is also a further line scale 26′, whichallows parallax-free reading. In this embodiment too, the index ring 28is moved upward during the transition, such that the second scale values27 b belonging to the second turning range are moved upward out of alower ring diaphragm 29 that conceals them during the first turningrange. The lower ring diaphragm 29 forms the top edge of the base area4.

The index ring shown in FIG. 10 can also be arranged to be fixed interms of its height in the adjusting device. During the transition,upper and lower diaphragms, for example the lower ring diaphragm 29 andan upper ring diaphragm as shown in FIG. 11, are then moved upward anddownward. This also has the effect that only one set of scale values 27a or 27 b is visible at any one time, such that inaccurate adjustmentsby the person operating the adjusting device 1 are avoided.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an inner area of the turret-shapedstructure of the adjusting device 1. A slotted guide 40 is arrangedfixed in rotation on the base area 4 and has a circumferential channel41 into which a tracer pin 42 (FIG. 7) engages that is coupled viacoupling elements 43 (cf. FIGS. 7 and 8) to the height-adjustableelements, for example the index ring 8.

In the middle area 44 of the slotted guide, the channel 41 has a beveledstep profile, such that a tracer pin, which is moved toward the middlearea 44 of the slotted guide in arrow direction 45 according to FIG. 13,performs an upward excursion that corresponds to the spacing of the twocircumferential channels 41, resulting in the height adjustment of thecomponent coupled to the pin 42, in particular of the height-adjustableindex ring 8 or 28.

It will also be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8 that parts moving in relation toeach other are sealed off by a plurality of O-rings. For example, anO-ring 50 is provided for sealing between the surface of the secondindex ring 10 and the inside face of the first index ring 8. A furtherO-ring 51 seals off the upper, radially outer area of the first indexring 8 in relation to the inside face of the downwardly protruding edge9 of the setting cap 2.

Finally, it will be noted that the invention is not limited to theillustrative embodiments shown, and instead the scope of protectionattributable to the invention derives from the claims and from theirinterpretation.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 adjusting device-   2 setting cap-   3 transmission unit-   4 base area-   5 middle area-   6 line scale-   7 a scale values-   7 b scale values-   8 index ring-   9 edge of 2-   10 2nd index ring-   26 line scale-   26′ line scale-   27 a scale values-   27 b scale values-   28 index ring-   29 lower ring diaphragm-   40 slotted guide-   41 channel of slotted guide-   42 tracer pin-   43 coupling elements-   44 middle area of slotted guide-   45 arrow direction-   50 O-ring-   51 O-ring

1-12. (canceled)
 13. An adjusting device for adjusting a reticle unit ofa telescopic sight, the adjusting device comprising: a rotatable settingcap; a transmission unit for converting a rotation movement of saidrotatable setting cap into an adjusting movement of the reticle unit,wherein a turning range of said rotatable setting cap is substantiallytwo revolutions; at least one index ring; a diaphragm ring partiallycovering said at least one index ring and functioning as a covering; andtwo sets of scale values assigned to at least one line scale disposed onsaid at least one index ring, said two sets of scale values include afirst set of scale values indicating adjustment values that belong to afirst revolution of said rotatable setting cap, and a second set ofscale values indicating adjustment values belonging to a secondrevolution of said rotatable setting cap, during a transition from thefirst revolution to the second revolution of said rotatable setting cap,said at least one index ring bearing said scale values and can berotated with said rotatable setting cap or said diaphragm ring, beingadjustable in height such that, during the first revolution of saidrotatable setting cap, only said first set of scale values is visibleand said second set of scale values is disposed under said covering and,during the second revolution of said rotatable setting cap, said secondset of scale values is either visible in addition to said first set ofscale valves or on its own.
 14. The adjusting device according to claim13, wherein said covering is one of a plurality of coverings for saidfirst and second scale values and are disposed in an area of at least ofan upper edge or a lower edge of said at least one index ring.
 15. Theadjusting device according to claim 14, wherein said two sets of scalevalues are respectively disposed above and below said line scale being acircumferential line scale on said index ring.
 16. The adjusting deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein: said a least one index ring includes afirst index ring and a second index ring; and said first set of scalevalues are disposed on said first index ring and said second set ofscale values are disposed on said second index ring, and, during atransition from the first revolution to the second revolution of saidrotatable setting cap, one of said first and second index rings isadjustable in height such that, in a turning range of the secondrevolution of said rotatable setting cap, said first set of scale valuesdisposed on said first index ring are concealed by said covering being aring-shaped component, and said second set of scale values disposed onsaid second index ring are visible.
 17. The adjusting device accordingto claim 16, wherein said first index ring is disposed lying on anoutside and is adjustable in height, said second index ring is disposedinside said first index ring, and said first index ring forms saidcovering for said second set of scale values assigned to a secondturning range.
 18. The adjusting device according to claim 17, whereinin the turning range of the first revolution of said rotatable settingcap, said first index ring covers the second set of scale values of saidsecond index ring.
 19. The adjusting device according to claim 16,wherein during a transition from the first revolution to the secondrevolution of said rotatable setting cap, the first set of scale valuesof said first index ring can be moved underneath a downwardly pointingedge of said rotatable setting cap.
 20. The adjusting device accordingto claim 13, wherein during a transition from the first revolution tothe second revolution of said rotatable setting cap, the second set ofscale values belonging to the second turning range are moved out fromsaid diaphragm ring that conceals them during the first turning range.21. The adjusting device according to claim 16, further comprising atleast one circumferential slotted guide disposed in an inner area of theadjusting device, said slotted guide having a middle area with a beveledstep profile; and wherein at least one of said index rings or saiddiaphragm ring has a tracer pin engaging into said at least onecircumferential slotted guide for adjusting a height of at least one ofsaid index rings or of said diaphragm ring, said circumferential slottedguide is mounted non-rotatably with respect to said rotatable settingcap and to said index rings turning with said rotatable setting cap. 22.The adjusting device according to claim 21, wherein the adjusting deviceis structured like a turret; further comprising a lower base area havinga fastening base for fastening on a telescopic sight; further comprisingan upper area having said rotatable setting cap; further comprising atleast one coupling part; and further comprising a middle area havingsaid at least one index ring turning with said rotatable setting cap,said index ring coupled for height adjustment, via said at least onecoupling part, to said tracer pin engaging in said circumferentialslotted guide.
 23. The adjusting device according to claim 16, whereinsaid first index ring is a first, outer index ring, said first, outerindex ring and said second index ring are disposed lying coaxially oneover the other, and said first, outer index ring engages like a pot, andwith slight spacing, over said second index ring.
 24. The adjustingdevice according to claim 16, further comprising a base part; andwherein said second index ring is a second, inner index ring beingrotatable with said rotatable setting cap and is unchangeable in termsof its height with respect to said base part.
 25. The adjusting deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein during the second revolution of saidrotatable setting cap, said second set of scale values is visible andsaid first set of scale values is disposed under said covering.